Former Basketball Coach Enters Offender Initiative Program

Four felony charges filed against former Mt. Carmel High School basketball coach Tyler Buss will be dismissed if he completes an 18-month offender initiative program.

Buss was in Wabash County Circuit Court this morning for his first appearance on the three Class 3 felony theft charges and a Class 3 felony forgery charge filed on April 1st by State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman.

During today’s court appearance, Storckman presented the plan that would place Buss into the offender initiative program. During the next 18 months, Buss will be prohibited from violating any criminal statute or ordinance; possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon; engaging in any gambling/betting activities either in person or online. That includes sports betting, fantasy league-based betting, card, or slot machine gambling, or any activities that involve playing games of chance for personal gain or wagering currency on the performance of others in any activity. Buss was also ordered to immediately participate in an assessment related to gambling addiction and shall complete any treatment recommended as a result of that assessment including any inpatient, intensive outpatient, or group treatment that is recommended.

In addition, Buss was fined $1,000 and must pay restitution to Wabash District #348 in the amount of $2,666.29*. The fine must be paid within the next 18 months and the restitution must be paid within the next 12 months. The 38 year old Buss is allowed to leave the state but must inform the probation department of any extended out of state stays.

Judge William C. Hudson accepted the terms of the agreement and told Buss that violating even just one of the points of the program could result in the case going forward to arraignment. If Buss is successful in completing the program, the four felony charges will be dismissed and not appear on his record.

On April 1st, Storckman filed three Class 3 felony theft charges and one Class 3 felony forgery charge against the Keensburg man 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 2024, Mt. Carmel Police said an investigation was underway into financial issues into the Golden Aces basketball program. In the three theft counts, Storckman alleged 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.

Buss is being represented by attorney Troy Parrish of Mt. Vernon.

*Typo has been corrected in original post. $2,666.29 is the correct restitution amount.

Gibson County Central Dispatch rolls out Prepared Assist program

Princeton, IN – The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the launch of Prepared Assist in our dispatch center. Built by the company Prepared, the platform enables our 9-1-1 dispatch center to livestream, receive multimedia, and receive location from mobile callers in real-time. This addition to our technology suite will significantly improve our ability to effectively and efficiently respond to emergencies in the community.

 “I strongly believe in embracing technology when it leads to public safety, and the apprehension of criminals.  For these reasons I am proud to provide this to the citizens of Gibson County.  Further I am extremely proud of our Communications Officers who are constantly looking for ways to better help those who call in for assistance.” – Sheriff Bruce Vanoven

Participation in video during a call is completely voluntary and consent of the caller is required. If the caller consents, they will receive a livestream link via text from the dispatcher, enabling them to activate live video upon click. It’s important to note that the video call function also does not provide Gibson County Sheriff’s Office with access to the contents or settings of a caller’s phone. This launch follows about 3 months of preparation and training to ensure that our Dispatchers and our team are able to properly utilize the software. Working side by side with Prepared’s customer success team, we have created and adopted policies to ensure that Prepared Assist is used effectively in various scenarios. Prepared, led by co-founders Mike, Dylan, and Neal, is a mission-driven organization with a passion for improving public safety. In creating an app to help mitigate school emergencies, the team discovered that valuable data is lost in existing 9-1-1 processes and set out to address the problem by inventing Prepared. Since public launch October of 2021, the product has helped protect over 80 million people in 48 states. To learn more about Prepared and Prepared Assist, visit Prepared911.com

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.