Disc Golf Course Idea Introduced In Mt. Carmel

Plans are expected to be unveiled next month on a proposed disc golf course in Mt. Carmel. If you’re not familiar, disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc or Frisbee.. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes-or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws. At this week’s city council meeting, city clerk Ryan Turner said he had met with Wabash Valley College president Matt Fowler exploring a 9-hole disc golf course. Turner said he hopes more details on the idea will be presented to the council next month.

Photo Credit: AARP

Franklin County Man Sentenced to Prison for Producing Counterfeit U.S. Currency

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money.

Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting.

“Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.”

According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence in July 2019, law enforcement recovered $33,826 in counterfeit bills.

Eskew distributed the counterfeit bills to at least five individuals within his community. In addition to imprisonment, Eskew was ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve three years of supervised release.

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Gross and Kathleen Howard contributed to the prosecution.

LAWRENCE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ANNNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Lawrenceville, IL – Lawrence County Memorial Hospital (LCMH) today announced that Keith Miller, CEO, has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer and Deaconess Indiana Region President, effective August 12, 2024. Mr. Miller will be stepping down from his role as CEO of LCMH, a position he has held since April 2023.

During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Miller has made significant contributions to LCMH's growth and strategic direction. Under his leadership, LCMH has seen expansion in services and facilities, including the addition of a new General Surgeon, introduction of new service lines, and the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals to enhance primary care offerings.

"We are grateful for Keith's dedicated leadership over the past 15 months," said Carl Aten, Chair of the Board of Directors at LCMH. "His strategic vision and collaborative approach have positioned LCMH for continued success in providing exceptional healthcare services to our community."

“Looking ahead, LCMH remains committed to its strategic initiatives, including further integration with our strategic partner, Deaconess Health System”, said Miller. “Moving forward with the Master Facility Plan and adding additional services will be key to the continued success of LCMH, and I am confident that our board’s ongoing contributions, alongside the strong leadership team in place, will ensure a seamless transition and continued growth.”

LCMH will begin a search for a new CEO immediately, with interim leadership arrangements in place to ensure uninterrupted operations and continued focus on delivering high-quality patient care.

Mobile Home Taxes Due August 2nd

Wabash County treasurer’s Angie Broster’s office is continuing to collect prepayments on the 2023 payable 2024 real estate taxes. She reported to county commissioners last week that to date, $73,206 had been collected. At this point, Broster said the cut off for prepayments will be August 30th, although that date may be extended. Mobile home taxes are due August 2nd with 47% being collected so far.

Keepes & Dean Spar Over Coroner's Vehicle Purchase

Wabash County coroner Shaun Keepes’s attempt to have county commissioners provide his office with a vehicle seems to be growing more contentious. Keepes has told commissioners that he has been using his personal and business vehicles for the last several years. But now, Keepes says it’s time for the county to step up and provide the coroner’s office with a vehicle.  At last week’s county board meeting, Keepes sparred with commissioner Rob Dean over how the vehicle would be used. Keepes said it would be utilized as an every day vehicle such as a sheriff’s department unit…

Dean took exception to Keepes’ comments and said the vehicle should be used only for coroner calls. After the 15 minute back and forth ended, the issue was tabled as commissioners said they will check with surrounding counties to see what their vehicle policy is for their coroners.

City Taking Action Against Remaining River Camp Squatter

City Hall’s patience has run out on the last of river camp squatters who has refused to vacate the city owned property. At yesterday’s City Council meeting, city clerk Ryan Turner told commissioners that he is ready to take action today against the final remaining hold out….

Turner said he would get legal advice from city attorney Derek McCullough before the city formally acts on the last river camp.