The investigation continues into an officer involved shooting in Mt. Carmel that has left one person dead. MCPD Chief Mike McWilliams says the shooting happened as officers were investigating a domestic dispute on Lambert Drive. No officers were hurt. Illinois State Police tell us that at 10 p.m. last night Mt. Carmel Police requested an investigation to the officer involved shooting. McWilliams says the officer involved is on administrative leave, as is standard procedure in these type of situations.
City Hits Pause Button On Solar Project
The proposed solar project at Mt. Carmel’s sewer plant has been put on hold. Last year, the city council approved a contract showing intent to move forward with Keystone Energy to place a solar array on the southern portion of the city property at the wastewater treatment plant. Keystone proposed to build and own the system and take advantage of state and federal credits. But city attorney Derek McCullough told the council that if those government credits go away, the city would be responsible for making up the difference. Brad Morton of Morton Solar and Electric then submitted an alternative proposal in which the city pays for the construction of the project and owns the system. The city explored financing for the Morton project, but Mayor Joe Judge said now’s not the right time to move forward with the plan…
It was hoped the project would eventually pay for itself from the move saved on the solar power in addition to state and federal credits.
ISP ANNOUNCES INTERSTATE 57 TRAFFIC SAFETY ENFORCEMENT OPERATION RESULTS
PESOTUM – Illinois State Police (ISP) officers from eastern and southern Illinois joined forces to combat aggressive and unsafe driving behaviors along Interstate 57 from October 3-7, 2024. The operation focused its efforts on Interstate 57, starting at milepost zero in Alexander County all the way up to milepost 257 on the northern Champaign County border.
Patrol officers from ISP Troops 7, 9, and 10, with assistance from ISP central and south Special Operations Group’s Fatal Four team saturated the interstate, enforcing Illinois Vehicle Code violations, especially speeding. Speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all fatality crashes. Officers also focused on Motor Carrier Safety Inspections for commercial motor vehicles, a function unique to ISP officers. Over a quarter of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occur on the interstate. By focusing on this known data and taking proactive steps to correct unsafe driving behavior, ISP strives to decrease fatal and personal injury crashes on the interstate.
It should be noted that during this high-visibility traffic enforcement detail there were no fatal crashes, and only five accident reports filed for all 257 miles of Interstate 57.
Operation Results
Speeding Citations Issued: 599
Speeding Warnings Issued: 484
Motor Carrier Safety Inspections: 198
Move Over “Scott’s Law” Citations Issued: 16
Criminal Arrests: 6
Suspended/Revoked/No Driver’s License Citations: 46
As ISP’s increased enforcement to save lives and combat personal injury and fatal crashes on the interstate systems has evolved, the need for additional troopers to carry out this important work has increased.
ISP reminds the public that the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law,” requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense.
Red Cross Seeking Disaster Volunteers
The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts. More than 1,200 Red Cross disaster responders are currently working across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Beth Elders, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater St. Louis says more volunteers are needed.
Anyone interested in volunteering must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. You can sign up online at redcross.org/volunteer .
Photo: Red Cross
*****Update on Missing Spencer County Man*****
(Warrick County, IN) – On Monday morning, October 7, the body of a male was located in the Ohio River at the Newburgh Lock and Dam. Multiple agencies responded to the area and recovered the male from the river. An autopsy was performed at the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday, October 8. The deceased male was confirmed as being Justin R. MacDonald. The family has been notified. The death was ruled an accidental drowning after no signs of foul play or trauma were found.
Commissioners Table Air Evac Coverage For County Employees
Wabash County Commissioners have decided to table renewing the Air Evac coverage it provides for county employees. At their meeting Monday afternoon, commissioners heard from Kevin Kern of Snedeker Risk Management that recent legislation has apparently made the Air Evac coverage unnecessary…
During a report to commissioners, Kern said the county’s property/liability and work compensation rates will increase roughly 9% in the coming. He said compared to skyrocketing insurance rates in other areas, the 9% increase isn’t too out of line.
SIU-C Grad Students Conduct Study Of Lake Froman
A team from SIU in Carbondale was at Froman Lake over the weekend stunning fish to get an idea on how to improve the quality of the lake. Commissioner Rob Dean brought the team from SIU that revealed the lake had bass, crappie, red ear, and a few catfish. Dean said none of the 53 fish died from being stunned. He said the team, consisting of graduate students, also evaluated the lake and will offer a report on how prevent algae and moss from overtaking the water.
Outstanding Edwards County 4-H members recognized during Achievement Night
A nice crowd attended the Edwards County 4-H Achievement Night held Monday at COUNTRY Financial Hall in Albion. Area youth, leaders, and clubs were honored for their accomplishments over the 2023-2024 4-H year.
The “Club of the Year” Award went to the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club.
Aleya Bare was honored as the 4-H’er of the year.
Kelly Hinderliter received the Novice Member of the Year and Sydney Williams received the Jr. Member of the Year.
“Cream of the Crop” awards went to four members. The award focuses on attitude and willingness to help others. The members were helping, on their own and was not based on 4-H records. The individuals who received the award were: Justin Bunting, J.W. Simms-Reisner, Bristol Duncan and Gracie Fenton. They received a 4-H sweatshirt Edwards County Soil and Water District sponsored these awards.
The Best Club Secretary Award trophies went to Ellery Panthers – Hallie Shelton and Hayley Perry.
Aleya Bare received the “I Dare You” award, with the University of Illinois Extension donating the award. Members who “achieve their highest potential and live lives of leadership and service,” receive this award.
Nine members received an Alumni Pin: Matthew Bare, Olivia Bosecker, Trenton Jefferson, Lidia Kelsey, Lillian Nussmeyer, Natalie Shelby, Gabriella Spencer, Elizabeth Spillman, and Hanna Waggoner.
Trophy winners included: Hannah Perry, Best Constructed Garment for Clothing. Alyssa Smith 4-H Speech Contest, Illustrated Speech, 8-13 Years Old. Gracie Fenton 4-H Speech Contest, Formal Speech, 8-13 Years Old.
Among other awards presented were: Clean Sheep Pen Award; Zoie and Zeb Ankenbrand donor George Fewkes. Clean Beef Stall Award; Kelly Hinderliter, Clean Swine Pen Award; Brook Greathouse, and Clean Goat Pen Award; Ellie and Lucas Troyer, Electricity Award; Aiden Houser, Leadership Award; Hayley Perry, and Community Service Awards; Aleya Bare and Hayley Perry. Hayley Perry received The Chicagoland Food Science Foundation certificate and gift card for having the best Food Science Project for Edwards County. Kim VanMatre was the “Volunteer of the Year.”
Jessica Bare and Grace Thomason co-leaders of the Bone Gap Cardinals 4-H Club received a pin and certificate for their first year as leaders. Greg and Abby Shelton, also, received a pin and certificate for five years of co-leading the Ellery Panthers.
Lillian Nussmeyer and Aly Williams received the Jan Schuh Scholarship.
Thirty-two members received experience awards. To receive this award each participant must apply to be eligible and mark the experiences that they have achieved for the year. There are four dimensions of experience: Participation, Community Service, Leadership and Project Learning.
Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you to all the parents, leaders, and donors of awards to make this evening special for our youth.