Owensville man arrested for operating vehicle while intoxicated

On May 12, 2024, at 3:23 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a welfare check of a person who had been sitting in an idling car for approximately an hour at the Powerhouse bar located at 217 N. Main Street in Princeton.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt identified 29 year old Levi Owen of Owensville as the operator of the vehicle.  While speaking with Mr. Owen Deputy Hunt immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Hunt placed Mr. Owen into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction. 

 Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation were Princeton Officers Bryce Jutzi and Ben Kiesel.  Also assisting in the investigation was Deputy Bart Wagner.

 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 INVESTIGATION INTO BOMB THREAT AT TWO STATE BUILDINGS RESULTS IN ARREST

SPRINGFIELD – After an extensive Illinois State Police (ISP) investigation into a bomb threat at two state facilities in Springfield last month, 23-year-old Gabrielle Williams was taken into custody May 9, 2024.

 On April 22, 2024, the Illinois Department of Human services received a call from an individual saying a bomb had been installed at a public aid office building and the Illinois State Capitol. ​ This threat was relayed to the ISP Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center, which implemented the State Agency Facility and Employee (SAFE) Threat Protocol. ​ The Secretary of State (SOS) Capitol Police and its Hazardous Device Unit quickly cleared the grounds of the Capitol, while ISP and the Springfield Police Department secured the other state facility until the SOS Hazardous Device Unit could clear that building. ​ The SAFE Threat Protocol also triggered an investigation by ISP special agents. ​ Using cellular information and conducting interviews, ISP special agents were able to identify and locate the suspect.

 “ISP took immediate action upon receiving information about this bomb threat and implemented our SAFE Threat Protocol,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “Deploying ISP resources as quickly as possible allows our special agents to track down crucial information, identify suspects, and make arrests. ​ ISP and our law enforcement partners in Springfield take every threat seriously and will track down and arrest those responsible for this criminal conduct.”

 The SAFE Threat Protocol has three main objectives:

 capture, assess, and route threat information

investigate threats towards state employees, offices, and executives

maintain a comprehensive understanding of the material reported and outcomes

 “I want to thank our Secretary of State Police, Illinois State Police, and Springfield Police for collaborating on this investigation and making an arrest,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. ​ “We take the security of the Capitol Complex and the safety of its employees, public officials, and visitors extremely seriously. ​ We will never tolerate threats of violence and will do everything within our power to hold those responsible and accountable for their actions.”

 Williams is being held in the Sangamon County Jail pending a pre-trial detention hearing. ​ A Clear and Present Danger report has been submitted to the ISP Office of Firearm Safety. ​ A Clear and Present Danger report is filed when a person poses a threat to themselves or others. ​ When ISP affirms a clear and present danger determination, if a person has a Firearms Owner Identification Card or an application for one, it will be revoked or denied. ​ ​

 ISP thanks the various local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, who assisted during the investigation and arrest of Williams. 

 

Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, 13th, 2024 at 4:00 pm

· Call to Order

o Pledge of Allegiance

o Roll Call

· Approve Minutes

o Minutes of meeting held 04/30/2024.

· Visitors (topic discussed by visitor(s) is limited to 5 minutes)

· Reports and Communications

o Mayor Judge

o Commissioner Meador Streets, Cemeteries and Parks

o Commissioner Ikemire Finance and Senior Citizens

o Commissioner Meeks Water and Sewer

o Commissioner Zimmerman Fire, Health & Safety, City Hall and Garbage

· Staff Reports

o Ryan Turner Derek McCullough Luis Garcia

o Michael McWilliams Francis Speth Mike Gidcumb

o WEMA Representative

New Business

o Consent Agenda

§ Pay all bills by providing proper signatures.

o Removal of items from the Consent Agenda

o Subdivision of parcel-Dersch

o Purchase of new mini-excavator

o Old Business

o Sewer plant solar project

o Executive Session

o Consider compensation, discipline, and performance of specific employees, including union and non-union employees.

o Motion to Adjourn

o Liquor Control Meeting-Immediately after council hearing

Patoka woman arrested after striking juvenile with their vehicle

On May 10, 2024, at approximately 1:15 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a juvenile who had been run over by a vehicle at a residence on Bald Hill Lane near Princeton.  Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Princeton Police Department were dispatched to the scene.  Upon arriving Officers began an investigation into the incident where the juvenile had been run over by a White 2016 Land Cruiser.  Detective Jennifer Loesch with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and during the investigation she found probable cause to place 47 year old Brittany Burkett of Patoka into custody and have her transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Ms. Burkett was charged with a level 3 Felony Neglect charge.
 
Assisting Detective Loesch in her investigation were Sgt. Roger Ballard, Deputy Logan Lashbrook and Deputy Bryan Small.  Also assisting in the investigation were Princeton Officer Brandt George, Jason Swan, and Dan Goedde
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WVC Awards Scholarships to Mount Carmel High School Students at Honors Night

Wabash Valley College, a part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, proudly awarded scholarships to deserving Mount Carmel High School students during their Honors Night on Thursday, May 9th. These scholarships aim to support students in pursuing higher education and achieving their academic goals.

John L. Acree Scholarship::

Asher Kight was awarded the John L. Acree Scholarship, which is designed to encourage study in engineering, science, or math. The applicant must be a student graduating from a #529 in-district high school in spring 2024, with preference given to Mount Carmel High School graduates. This award helps aid with tuition costs for fall 2024 and spring 2025 at Wabash Valley College if the student remains enrolled full time. This award is valued at $4,000.

Don Horrall Scholarship:

Sophia Gamon received the Don Horrall Scholarship, established in honor of Don Horrall, one of the original members and the first president of the WVC Foundation. This scholarship encourages study in engineering, electronics, or math and is valued at $1,000.

Donald E. Dean Book Scholarship:

: Maci Farmer was awarded the Donald E. Dean Scholarship, a one year book scholarship that was established to assist a full-time Wabash Valley College student who is pursuing an associate degree. This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the Donald E Dean family, in his memory. This scholarship is valued at $250.

Student Ambassador Scholarship:

: Sophia Gamon and Grayson Tinsley received the Student Ambassador Scholarship, which covers full tuition up to 16 credit hours per semester.

Steps to Success Scholarship:

: Additionally, 35 students were awarded the Steps to Success Scholarship, totaling $35,000 for up to two years, with an award of $500 per year.

Inaugural Wabash Valley Foundation Music and Theater Scholarship: Noah Alka was awarded the inaugural Wabash Valley Foundation Music and Theater Scholarship, valued at $1,500. This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication in music and theater studies.

These scholarships signify IECC's commitment to supporting students' educational journeys and investing in their futures. Congratulations to all the deserving recipients

Oakland City man arrested on multiple charges after traveling 103 mph on I69.

On May 10, 2024, at 7:57 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Blue 2020 Toyota Camry for traveling a 103 mph on Interstate 69 near the 27 mile marker.  Once the vehicle stopped the driver pulled halfway into the center median and part way into the passing lane.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Owens identified the driver as 19 year old Dylan Besing of Oakland City.  At that point Deputy Owens began a roadside investigation.  During the investigation Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia were discovered.  Once the roadside investigation Mr. Besing was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated w/ Endangerment, Criminal Recklessness, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia. 
 
Assisting Deputy Owens in his investigation was Deputies Logan Lashbrook and Shawn Holmes. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Haubstadt man arrested on OWI charge.

On May 11, 2024, at 1:14 a.m. Deputy Bart Wagner conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2013 Chevy Silverado after observing the vehicle failing to maintain it’s lane of travel on US 41 as it traveled south from CR 350 South.  Upon stopping the car on US 41 and Oak Street in Fort Branch Deputy Wagner identified the driver as 54 year old Allen Bates of Haubstadt.  While speaking with Mr. Bates Deputy Wagner detected the odor of alcohol and began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of that investigation Mr. Bates was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 

 Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Deputy Wyatt Hunt. 

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

MCHS Honors Night Tonight; Graduation Saturday

The Mt. Carmel High School Class of 2024 will reap the rewards of their hard work tonight during Honors Night. The evening gets underway at 7pm as dozens of awards and hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships will be bestowed upon the graduating seniors. The MCHS

Class of ’24 will graduate Saturday morning at 10am in an indoor ceremony.

At Wabash Valley College, the 62nd annual commencement is tomorrow night at 7pm at the Spencer Sports Center.

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Allegedly Battering His Ex-Wife

On 5/03/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher L. Batterton, age 47, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 400 block of N Walnut Street.  During their investigation, police found evidence along with witness statements that indicated Batterton had battered his ex-wife by striking her in the upper part of her body.  Batterton was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.