On 8/07/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Alexander S. Wilkinson, age 28, of Mt. Carmel for No FOID Card- Possession of Firearms following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of E 5th Street. During the course of the domestic investigation, officers learned of multiple firearms, some loaded with ammunition, in the home. Wilkinson admitted the firearms were his although he had never obtained a FOID Card upon becoming an Illinois resident. The firearms were secured by law enforcement and Wilkinson was later arrested for the violation. Wilkinson was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
ISP TO CONDUCT NIGHTTIME ENFORCEMENT PATROLS
EFFINGHAM– Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, announces the ISP will conduct Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols in Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Wabash, and Wayne counties during September. NITE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to impaired driving and occupant restraint violations especially between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
The number of unrestrained drivers killed in traffic crashes is significantly higher at nighttime and combined with impaired driving means even more traffic deaths during these critical hours.
Officers working the enforcement patrols will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, speeding, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.
Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Over half of all fatal crashes in Illinois occur at night. The NITE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous impaired drivers from the road and making sure everyone is buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation
ISP TO CONDUCT ALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE ENFORCEMENT PATROLS
EFFINGHAM – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Lawrence, Marion, and White counties during September. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs.
The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.
Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
State Police Investigate Fatal Vehicle Accident on US 40
Putnam County - The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is investigating a crash between a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck that occurred on August 7, 2024 at the junction of US 40 and State Road 240, claiming the life of one individual.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Hunter McCord indicated that at approximately 4:20 p.m., a 2004 Lexus driven by Kent Smith, age 67, of Coatesville, Indiana, was attempting to go eastbound on US 40 from southbound State Road 240. Smith failed to observe a 2021 Ford pickup truck that was traveling westbound on US 40 driven by Charlie Slicer Jr., age 59 of Quincy, Indiana. Slicer attempted an evasive driving maneuver but was unable to avoid the collision. The force of the collision caused the Lexus to travel off the roadway, rolling over on its top, and coming to a stop.
As a result of the crash, Smith sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Putnam Coroner’s Office. His family has been notified.
Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the accident.
Assisting Agencies: Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Putnam County EMS, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, and Curtis Wrecker Service.
Road closure planned for State Road 57 in Gibson County
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 57 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Tuesday, August 13, crews will close State Road 57 in Gibson County near Buckskin. This closure will occur between County Road 900 S and County Road 950 S.
This closure will allow crews to perform a culvert replacement project. Work is expected to take two days to complete, depending on the weather.
The detour for this project is State Road 168 to I-69 to State Road 68. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.
Clancy returns from triumphant London tour
Local actor and playwright John Clancy is back home after premiering and performing in his latest play Just Like Hollywood at The Etcetera Theater in London.
Critics wrote
"...a deeply affecting play...hard-hitting uncompromising drama."
and
"The actors are totally committed to their roles and give riveting performances, they demand our attention."
Just Like Hollywood, directed by Melanie Stewart and featuring Kylie Westerbeck and Clancy, explores and explodes the institutional subjugation of women in today's world.
Future plans for the production include the Under the Radar festival in New York City this coming January, the Montreal Fringe Festival in June 2025 and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025.
City Officials Issue Reminder On No Concrete Blocks In Trash Toters
City officials want you to know that putting concrete blocks, rocks, or stones in your Republic Services trash toter is prohibited. At Monday’s City Council meeting, City Clerk Ryan Turner said Republic had contacted him saying some residents have been placing stones and concretes into the toters. The weight of those are too much for Republic’s trucks to lift. Also, Turner reminded residents that the dumpsters at the city park and pool are for city use only and are not open to the general public.
Bleyer Explains Early Start To School Year
Tomorrow is the first day of school for students in Wabash District #348 and while many may think August 9th is early to start back to school, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer says there’s a simple explanation in how the first day was determined….
Bleyer said all Illinois schools are mandated this year to be closed on election day, November 5th…adding an extra day students won’t be in school. As far as having the first day on a Friday, Bleyer said…
And in case you’re wondering, the last day of school is set for May 16th.