A New Crosswalk connecting Wabash Valley College’s Future

A new crosswalk has been added on Oak Street, connecting the Small World Child Development Center and the Warrior Grill on Wabash Valley College’s campus. This project was done with safety in mind, helping the children and staff at Small World cross the street more easily and safely.

The crosswalk has special lights that turn on when someone is crossing, making it easier for drivers to see and slow down. This upgrade improves the overall safety of the campus.

The project was funded by Mike McPherson, who got the idea while on vacation in Florida. He noticed similar crosswalks at beach accesses and thought, "This is something special we can do here." McPherson hopes the community will appreciate this addition and that it might inspire similar projects across town. "I just wanted to do something nice for the community of Mount Carmel," McPherson said, believing that his contribution will be well received.

Mayor Joe Judge thanked McPherson and his family, saying, " Mike and his family have contributed to many projects throughout the community here in Wabash County and we're very appreciative of him and his family's contribution not only to this project but to the overall environment making Mt Carmel better. Its families like his that come together to make Mt Carmel a better place for everybody."

Carla Cadwalader, Director of Small World, also shared her appreciation: " I appreciate the vision and [McPherson's] dedication and acknowledgement for the future generations."

This new crosswalk is more than just a safety improvement; it shows how one person's actions can make a big difference in the community, helping to make Mount Carmel a safer and better place for everyone

Princeton Traffic Advisory: State Road 65 (Main St) and Brumfield Av to close for repairs

The intersection of Brumfield Av and N Main St (State Road 65) will be CLOSED in all directions starting on or about Wednesday, August 21st 2024.  Work is expected to keep the intersection completely closed for approximately 30-40 days weather permitting.

Keep in mind that the 300 block of N Prince St remains closed due to jail construction.


Work also continues on N Main St (State Road 65) between State Road 64 (Broadway St) and Old Petersburg Rd.

Please use caution around all these work areas.  Leave a few minutes early to take detours and expect extra traffic.

Mt. Carmel Man Charged With Additional Theft Count After Being Picked Up On FTA Warrant

On 8/15/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested James A. Summerfield, age 41, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant regarding a prior arrest for retail theft.  Summerfield was located near his residence in the 700 block of W 6th Street.  After transport to the Wabash County Jail, the arresting officer issued Summerfield an additional charge for Felony Theft, regarding the theft of tools, taken from outside of Mt. Carmel High School in July 2024.  Summerfield was held on both offenses, pending a pre-trial release determination by the court. 

Wrong way driver arrested for driving under the influence

On August 15, 2024, at 9:53 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a Silver Chevy Silverado traveling northbound on Interstate 69 that had struck a guardrail, and continued on without stopping.  The caller was able to give an accurate vehicle description as well as the license plate of the vehicle.  A Be On the Look Out was placed for the vehicle and multiple officers were dispatched to the area.  A short time later Central Dispatch received a report that the vehicle was now traveling southbound in the northbound lane of I69.  Deputy Michael Owens located the vehicle after it nearly hit him head on near the 31 mile marker.  Deputy Owens was able to turn on the vehicle and stop it at the 30.5 mile marker.  Upon stopping the vehicle Deputy Owens conducted a felony traffic stop placing 26 year old Miguel Santiago Velasco of Cincinnati into custody.  While speaking with Mr. Velasco Deputy Owens detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Mr. Velasco into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Velasco was charged with Criminal Recklessness With a Vehicle, Reckless Driving, OWI- Refusal, and Operator Never Licensed.

 Assisting Deputy Owens in his investigation were deputies Michael Bates and Sgt. Loren Barchett.  Also assisting were Oakland City Police Officer Jeff Hill and Oakland City University Police Chief Michael McGregor.

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

Wabash Valley College Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director

Wabash Valley College (WVC) is excited to announce that Peyton Farmer is the new Executive Director of the Wabash Valley College Foundation. She is a proud graduate of WVC and has always been a strong supporter of the community.

As a Mt. Carmel High School graduate, Farmer received a scholarship from the WVC Foundation that fully paid for her education at the college. This generous support allowed her to attend college without worrying about the cost. During her time at WVC, Farmer was active in the social service club and worked in the enrollment office. These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for the college and those who support it.

Farmer says, "My goal as Executive Director is to give other students the same opportunities I had. The foundation isn’t just about scholarships; it’s also where community members can donate to help the college grow. Over the years, the foundation has contributed nearly $5 million to the college. This includes scholarships, building projects, library books, athletic fields, and more."

Farmer’s personal connection to WVC makes her the perfect fit for this role. She is eager to continue the foundation’s work of supporting the college and its students

Effingham County Man Accused of Financial Exploitation of an Elder

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – An Effingham County man is facing multiple federal charges for accusations of defrauding and stealing more than $330,000 from an elderly individual.

A federal grand jury charged Edward L. Stief, Jr., 41, with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of monetary transaction in criminally derived property.

“Financial exploitation of vulnerable populations is deplorable, and the Department of Justice is committed to supporting victims and combatting elder abuse in its many forms against offenders intent on enriching themselves at another’s expense,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.

According to the charging document, Stief convinced the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney in May 2023. In October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Stief was a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts, talked the victim into cashing out life insurance policies and deposited most of the victim’s money into Stief’s personal bank accounts.

“Seniors are a particularly vulnerable victim group and are often specifically targeted for financial fraud,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Criminals who exploit this vulnerability can wreak havoc on elderly victims’ financial, psychological, and physical well-being. The FBI encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud or knows a senior who may be, to immediately report the incident to law enforcement.”

Stief is in federal custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the federal courthouse in Benton.

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

Convictions for wire and mail fraud are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and monetary transaction in criminally derived property is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation with support from the Effingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a service from the U.S. Department of Justice that helps victims over 60 years report crimes and access resources. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET, at (833) 372-8311 or (833) FRAUD-11. Callers can remain anonymous, and translation services are available.

Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:00 pm

· Call to Order

o Pledge of Allegiance

o Roll Call

· Approve Minutes

o Minutes of meeting held 08/05/2024.

o Minutes of executive meeting held 08/05/2024

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

o Eric Makela-Illinois Department of Employment Security

o Chris Cunningham-Eagles Event

· 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 Ordinance 2109-Sale of Property-waive second reading

o Ordinance 2110-Sale of City Property-waive second reading

o Ordinance 2111-Ordinance approving a special use for placement of manufactured home-first reading

o Resolution 705-TIF Approval Southgate Furniture

o Resolution 706-TIF Approval Hometown Aces

o Old Business-

o Executive Session- Discuss compensation of union employees and contract negotiations.

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= N/A