Traffic stop leads to arrest of Nashville, TN man for DUI

On June 21, 2024, at 1:01 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Bart Wagner attempted to stop a Nissan Maxima for failing to maintain its lane of travel while northbound on US 41.  Deputy Wagner initiated his emergency lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued on from CR 550 South to CR 350 South.  Once the vehicle stopped Deputy Wagner approached the vehicle and immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  Once that investigation was completed he placed the driver 32 year old Abraham Lopez-Ramirez into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Ramirez was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Resisting Law Enforcement. 

 Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer and Princeton Officers Sgt. Ben Kiesel and Officer Logan Lashbrook. 

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

2024 WABASH COUNTY FAIR QUEEN CANDIDATES

The Wabash County Fair Queen and Princess crownings will take place at 7pm on Sunday, July 14th.

Hi! My name is Zoie Ankenbrand. I am the daughter of Jennifer and James Ankenbrand.  I also have one brother Zeb Ankenbrand. Growing up in Wabash county has made me always want to do fair queen. This year I am excited to get the opportunity to compete at the chance to represent our county. Some of the things I enjoy doing are spending time at Kentucky lake, Going to all of the local fairs during the summer, showing livestock, and babysitting. I am a current yankees 4h club member In Edwards county and a sr federation member. Through those organizations I am able to serve my community and make the best better. If I am crowned the 2024 Miss Wabash County fair queen I would use my background in community service to help make my community a better place. During fair I see this as an opportunity to not only better myself but help others. I myself as a first year showman I looked up to others for help and I strive to do the same for the younger generation. My current plans are to continue working for Russell Land and Cattle Co. while I grow my cake business “Gray Cakes”. My future goals, is to possibly attend College for photography or something in the medical field and one day accomplish starting a family.  I’m excited for the opportunity to represent Wabash County Fair Queen. I would greatly enjoy going to other communities where I can get the opportunity in meeting new people and represent our county. I see this pageant as an opportunity to open new doors in my life. I choose to participate in the Wabash county fair queen pageant so I can be the queen I have always wanted to be.  When I was younger I always remember looking up to the fair queen and wanting to be just like her some day I would love to be that role model to the younger generation and let them know they can do anything they set their mind to. I want to give a big thank you to RT Farms for sponsoring me.

I am Alexia Stevens, daughter of Clayton and Lori Stevens. I am going into my second year at Murray State University studying Agribusiness. I chose to study agriculture because I was raised in the agriculture industry. Stevens Farms is where I have spent many hours working, playing, and developing my love for the industry. I hope to take this passion and help other young girls develop a love for it like I have. I have not quite figured out what I want to do with my degree, but what I have figured out is that I want to be a role model for these girls and help them fall in love with the most important industry in the world.

While at Murray State, I am in many agriculture related clubs and organizations. This includes Collegiate Farm Bureau, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, Agribusiness Club, and the professional agricultural sorority Sigma Alpha. I am active in all, and hold several officer positions. In all of these organizations, we advocate for the agriculture industry around Murray in the college, surrounding schools, and the community.

Outside of my college activities, I also love spending time with my family and animals. My family raises cattle, and we always make it a family experience. We also spend many weekends of the summer at the lake together. If it wasn’t for my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also show cattle and am a member of many cattle associations. My parents, working with animals, and the support from the organizations I am in, are the reason I am the loving, hard-working woman I am today.

I am also a part of the Wabash County Farm Bureau. This organization has led me to many connections with people who will help me with my future. They are also sponsoring me through this contest. I am extremely thankful for everything the the Farm Bureau has offered me and for sponsoring me!

I am participating in this contest for many reasons. When I think of the Wabash County Fair Queen, I think of someone who is active in the agriculture industry and wants to build up all the kids at the county fair. I have been a part of the Wabash County Fair since I was eight years old, through the years I have developed relationships with 4-H participants of all ages. I believe that I would be a great person to build up kids through not only wins but also losses. I am also an active participant in the agriculture industry, and will advocate for all parts of the industry as the face of the Wabash County Fair.

2024 Wabash County Fair Princess Candidates

The Wabash County Fair Queen and Princess crownings will take place at 7pm on Sunday, July 14th.

Hello judges,

My name is Miranda Kennard. Im in the 8th grade at Mount Carmel Junior High School. My parents are Rob and Traci Kennard. My dad is a farmer and works at DWR Farms, and my mom is a radiologic technologist for Deaconess. We live out in the country close to Bealls Woods. On our farm we raise chickens, pigs, cows, and we have three swarms of bees. In addition to our farm we have a large garden. My daily chores are to feed the pigs and chickens, collect the chicken eggs and weed the garden.

My 4-h projects are swine, chickens and vet science. The current hobbies are golf, riding my bike, and spending quality time outside. This year I placed third at the SIJHSAA state golf tournament. Along with my hobbies me and my family always go hunting in the fall for deer and in the spring for turkeys. I take vet science, because in the future I would like to be a veterinarian, and each year in doing so I have learned and gained new knowledge I did not quite know before. During my freshman year next year I plan to do FFA. Another hobby of mine is the science fair this year I qualified and made it all the way to state! At state I received a gold star rating on my project " The Disappearing Eggshell"

I would like to be the princess, because I'm very dedicated to 4-h and always looking for new ways to show my dedication to it. I am currently a 5 five 4-h member and was a cloverbud for 2 years. Each year the fair has strengthened my work ethic and my dedication to 4-h as well. In addition during the fair I have made lifelong friends. My favorite thing about the fair is the pork chop dinner. The pork chops are alway delicious I believe Mike Wilson has mastered how to cook them to perfection. Thank you for your time.

Thanks to my sponsor DWR Farms.

Hello, my name is Lola Meador. I am the daughter of Tyson & Morgan Meador. I am 13 years old and I am a member of the Allendale Twisters 4H club. This is my 3rd year in 4H.

My 4H projects include swine and sewing. I have always loved going to 4H shows and even helped my friends show their goats.

Outside of 4H I play golf and am a member of the MCJHS cheer team. I love both of these sports and the time I get to spend with my friends while participating in them. This year I was also in the Wizard of Oz at WVC and discovered I love theatre. For my 8th grade year I am trying out for SLC and joining Jr. High choir.

If I am chosen as princess, I will do my best to be a good role model, help the younger 4H members, and represent the Wabash County 4H fair to the best of my ability.

I want to thank my sponsor Tropic Tan for supporting me this year! I look forward to seeing you all at the fair.

My name is Gillian Hodgson. I am 14 years old. My mother is Natalie Hodgson and my father is Geoff Hodgson. I am the oldest of 5 children. I belong to the Allendale Twisters 4-H club.

In 4-H, my interests include my quarter horse, Playboy; and vegetable and flower gardening. My hobbies are crocheting, ranch sorting, baking, riding four wheelers, and hanging out with friends. My first goal this year is to increase my participation in ranch sorting competitions and to better my scores. My second goal is to learn to barrel race and enter competitions. I have been developing a pie baking class and so my third goal for the year is to be ready and offer at least one class to the public.

I am participating in the contest because I am inspired by my good friend who was princess last year. She loved the whole experience which made me excited to be able to participate in running for fair princess this year.

If I am chosen to be princess, I will do my best to be someone other people look up to and make other young girls excited to have the same opportunity I have right now. I would like to share with other youth what I have learned in 4-H.

Thank you, Short Cunningham Funeral Home for sponsoring me, and to everyone who has helped me get to the place I am right now.

IECC Board Summary

The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met

Tuesday night, June 18th at Frontier Community College, Fairfield, Illinois.

The Institutional Outreach Division provided a report on the efforts being made to enhance dual credit opportunities across the District. Megan Black, Director of Dual Credit, informed the Board of the initiatives she and her colleagues have planned for the upcoming year. IECC received a competitive $117,000 grant from the State to fund some of these efforts.

The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on May 21, 2024.

A semi-annual review of executive session minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act was conducted and the Board approved Chancellor Gower’s recommendations. The Board also gave approval to print the 2024-2025 IECC academic catalog and to post it on the website in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

The Board accepted sixteen 2024-2025 IECC Dual Credit Model Partnership Agreements with area high schools that detail ways the schools and the college can work together to assure a high quality educational experience for students. The Board also approved an updated 2023 Annual Security Report. Approval was given by the Board for a Memo of Understanding between IECC and the Richland County Health Office granting access to Olney Central College gymnasium and parking lot as a location to distribute medication and/or vaccinations in the event of an emergency.

In an annual review of partnerships with area businesses or facilities, the Board re-approved affiliation agreements that establish opportunities for students to engage in applied learning experiences In response to national changes being introduced by the Department of Labor, the Board waived the second reading and approved Policy 400.22 Salary Basis. This policy details the minimum earnings threshold for non-exempt employees.

The Board authorized the Chancellor to accept coverage of the District’s Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance with Wright Specialty.

A resolution was adopted authorizing inter-fund loans during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with the loans to be repaid to the original fund within the academic year.

A resolution was adopted authorizing the permanent transfer of approximately up to $255,000 in interest earned in the Working Cash Fund to the General Fund on or before June 30, 2024.

Approval was given for the district to pay accrued bills for a short period following the end of the fiscal year June 30th. By July 30th all accrued bills received during this run-out period will be paid and a report given to the Board of Trustees the following month.

Lease agreements were renewed between the District and certain locations and entities throughout the District.

The Board approved the RAMP Fiscal Year 2026 project as presented. The District is seeking state funding to bring public restrooms into compliance with current ADA standards.

Personnel matters included the change in employment status was approved for Kathy Wheeler from Administrative Assistant, FCC to Academic Affairs Data Integrity Specialist, FCC effective July 1, 2024 and potential changes of status for specific positions related to FLSA overtime.Resignations were approved for Hayden McDuffee as Transition Services Coordinator, FCC effective August 23, 2024; Brandi Rich as Academic Advisor, OCC effective May 24, 2024; Zachary Loll as Women’s Basketball Coach, LTC effective June 3, 2024; Shani Quarton as Adult Education Office Assistant effective June 18, 2024; Erica Arnold as Financial Aid Coordinator, LTC effective August 2, 2024; and Cleo Ziegler as Custodian, LTC effective June 21, 2024.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 6:15p.m. at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, IL.

Former MCJHS Teacher Expresses Concerns To School Board

For the second month in a row, members of the Wabash District #348 school board heard complaints about administrators at Mt. Carmel Junior and Senior High Schools. At Monday’s monthly meeting, Beau Belt spoke for nearly 20 minutes about issues he’s encountered with administrators that ultimately led him to seek a job in a neighboring school district after 18 years as a math teacher in District #348. Belt said he loved teaching junior high students, but that love has been tested…

Belt stressed district administrators should focus on teacher retention…

Belt pointed out that administrators at the junior and senior high schools are being paid a combined $500,000 a year. Belt also said the Jr. Aces for Christ student group he led was a target of administrators. He said rules were put into place to hinder student involvement in the group….

Belt said it was time for the school board to stand up and question decisions made by administrators…

Belt asked school board members if they were aware of a change in the junior high student handbook that aligns with the high school student handbook in which athletes can remain eligible even if they’re failing two classes…

Belt wrapped up his remarks by saying….

The school board had no response to Belt’s comments.

Last month, Yvette Henegar addressed the school board to express concerns about decisions made by administrators.

Here are Belt’s full comments….

Former MCJHS Math teacher Beau Belt speaks to the District #348 school board Monday night as Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer and board president Tim Schuler look on.

Allendale School Board Notes

At the June 2024 Allendale School Board meeting held at Allendale School, the board:

Adopted the 2023-2024 amended budget. It shows a budget with operating funds revenue of $2,210,939 and operating funds expenditures of $1,864,321.

Appointed Superintendent Bowser as the district Authorized IMRF Agent for the 2024-2025 school year.

Employed Mr. Britt Shepherd as the district bookkeeper for the 2024-2025 school year

Fantastic 4th Plans Coming Together

We’re only about two and a half weeks away from the 4th of July weekend and Mayor Joe Judge said while the specifics are still being nailed down, there are some things already planned for the Fantastic 4th Weekend. Judge said the parade and fireworks will both be held on the 4th. He said he is also trying to book a band to play at Merchants Park on Friday the 5th, and Rotary Corn Day is Sunday, July 7th.