Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, October 28, 2024 at 4:00 pm

· Call to Order

o Pledge of Allegiance

o Roll Call

· Approve Minutes

o Minutes of meeting held on 10/14/2024.

o Minutes of executive meeting held on 10/14/2024

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

· 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 Old Business-

o Executive Session- The discussion for compensation and/or discipline of union employees.

o Motion to Adjourn-

o Liquor Control Meeting-Immediately after council hearing= N/A

Charges Against Cheadle Detailed

A former Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy faces eight criminal charges including five Class 3 felonies. 29-year-old Chase Cheadle was the sheriff’s department’s K-9 officers and the charges filed by special prosecutor Brian Towne are related to Canine Kiki this summer.

Sheriff Derek Morgan said that on July 14th Cheadle found Kiki unresponsive. According to Morgan, Deputy Kiki had served with the sheriff’s department since September of 2022 and was an invaluable asset and partner to Wabash County. He said her death was a significant loss to the sheriff’s office.

Cheadle faces four charges of official misconduct in that he allegedly placed Kiki in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat that resulted in her death. It’s also alleged that Cheadle did not provide Kiki with adequate shelter and protection from the weather and failed to provide humane care and treatment. The fourth misconduct charge alleges Cheadle that he committed theft in excess of $500 by deceptively obtaining control of compensatory time compensation from Wabash County. The felony theft charge is in connection to submitted payroll amounts for dates he represented he earned comp time for care and maintenance, including the keeping of records, for Kiki, when he did not complete the records nor care for and maintain Kiki.

Other charges against Cheadle include misdemeanor counts of cruel treatment and two counts of owner’s duties for allegedly placing Kiki in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat that resulted in her death. The owner’s duties charges are also related to not providing Kiki adequate shelter and protection from the weather and failing to provide humane care and treatment.

In a joint statement, Morgan and Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman said Cheadle resigned from the sheriff’s department on August 8th during the investigation.

Cheadle made his first appearance this morning in Wabash County Circuit Court and waived first advisement. A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November 14th. A Class 3 felony in Illinois carries a possible 2 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Probation is also possible.

Full Text Of Joint Statement from Wabash County Sheriff J. Derek Morgan and Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman regarding the investigation into the death of Wabash County’s K9:

“K-9 Kiki was found deceased on 07.14.24. On that same day, the Wabash County Sheriff requested the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) to do an independent investigation into the death of our canine KiKi to avoid any appearance of bias. At that time, Deputy Chase Cheadle was placed on paid administrative leave for the duration of the investigation.

The investigation conducted by the LCSO was presented to the Sheriff and the Wabash County State’s Attorney. Information obtained in the investigation led the Wabash County State’s Attorney’s Office to contact the State of Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on 07.28.24 for further review. Cheadle resigned his position as Deputy Sheriff on August 8th, 2024 while the review was ongoing.

The Appellate Prosecutor reviewed the report and has now filed formal charges in this case. Charges filed in this case are:

4 counts of Official Misconduct (class 3 felony), 1 count of Theft/Deception/>$500<10k (class 3 felony), 1 count of Cruelty to animals (class A misdemeanor), 2 counts of Animal owner duties (class B misdemeanor).

Thank you for your patience during this time. We remain dedicated to serving the interests of our community.”

Former Deputy Charged In Death Of K9 Kiki

Joint Statement from Wabash County Sheriff J. Derek Morgan and Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman regarding the investigation into the death of Wabash County’s K9

“K-9 Kiki was found deceased on 07.14.24. On that same day, the Wabash County Sheriff requested the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) to do an independent investigation into the death of our canine KiKi to avoid any appearance of bias. At that time, Deputy Chase Cheadle was placed on paid administrative leave for the duration of the investigation.

The investigation conducted by the LCSO was presented to the Sheriff and the Wabash County State’s Attorney. Information obtained in the investigation led the Wabash County State’s Attorney’s Office to contact the State of Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on 07.28.24 for further review. Cheadle resigned his position as Deputy Sheriff on August 8th, 2024 while the review was ongoing.

The Appellate Prosecutor reviewed the report and has now filed formal charges in this case. Charges filed in this case are:

4 counts of Official Misconduct (class 3 felony), 1 count of Theft/Deception/>$500<10k (class 3 felony), 1 count of Cruelty to animals (class A misdemeanor), 2 counts of Animal owner duties (class B misdemeanor).

Thank you for your patience during this time. We remain dedicated to serving the interests of our community.”

Cheadle made his first appearance this morning in Wabash County Circuit Court and waived first advisement. A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November 14th.

Judge Makes Final Case For Pool Referendum

About 40 people attended the final of three public meetings Monday night regarding the referendum to build a new city pool in Mt. Carmel. Mayor Joe Judge hosted the 60 minute gatherings and fielded a wide range of questions. He told the gathering held at the pool that a yes vote on November 5th is an investment in the community….

Judge said a no vote on the referendum will make it hard for the to acquire grant funding in the future for a pool…..

Judge said some still have misperceptions about the status of Mt. Carmel’s pool……

The referendum is looking to generate $3.5 million for the project expected to cost $8.1 million.

Fort Branch Man Arrested for Child Molesting

Gibson County – Wednesday afternoon, October 23, Indiana State Police arrested Duncan Maikranz, 65, of Fort Branch, after a criminal investigation revealed he allegedly molested two children under the age of 14.  Indiana State Police Detective Tobias Odom initiated this investigation on October 18 after receiving information from the victim’s family. The alleged incidents occurred earlier this year.

After reviewing this investigation, the Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges on Maikranz and issued a felony warrant for his arrest. This afternoon at approximately 4:45 p.m., Indiana State Police and Fort Branch Police arrested Maikranz at his Fort Branch home without incident. He was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Duncan Maikranz, 65, Fort Branch, IN

  1. 2 Counts of Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony


Investigating Agency: Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Fort Branch Police Department

Woman shot during domestic disturbance

 On October 22, 2024, at approximately 10:07 p.m. 78 year old Dallas Cooper of Oakland City went to the Deaconess Gibson Emergency Room with a 47 year old gunshot victim who had been struck by a single gunshot during a domestic type disturbance.  The victim was treated locally at Deaconess Gibson for the gunshot wound that affected their mouth, cheek, and one arm.  The victim was ultimately transferred to an area hospital for additional treatment for the non-life threatening injuries.  Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office placed Mr. Cooper into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he is being held on an Aggravated Battery Charge.  After transporting Mr. Cooper to the jail they went to the 1400 block of South State Road 57 near Oakland City to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. 
 
This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges could be filed.   
 
Arresting Officer:  Sgt. Roger Ballard
Assisting Officers:  Detective Jennifer Loesch, Sgt. Loren Barchett, Deputy Bart Wagner, Deputy Levi Sims all of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.  Also assisting in the investigation of this incident was Oakland City Police Officer Michael McGregor and Deaconess Hospital Police Officer Jennifer Robb.
 
 
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's Originators Announce Exciting Lineup of Events at the Warrior Grill

Wabash Valley College (WVC) Originators are excited to host a series of fun and engaging events at the WVC Warrior Grill this fall and winter. Mark your calendars and join us for these community centered gatherings!

1. Country Jamboree Dinner Theatre

Dates:

• Friday, November 8th at 6:00 PM

• Saturday, November 9th at 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

• Cost: $20 per ticket (includes meal)

• Enjoy "keepin' it simple" music with a delicious meal at this toe-tapping event.

Limited seating is available, and tickets must be purchased in advance online at (https://cur8.com/26009/project/126936).

2. Gospel Hymn Sing-Along

Dates:

• Sunday, November 17th from 2:00-4:00 PM

• Sunday, December 8th from 2:00-4:00 PM • Donations are welcome. Come together for an afternoon of inspiring gospel hymns and fellowship. All are welcome to lift their voices and enjoy the music!

3. COMING SOON

Christmas Character Meal/Show - December 13 & 14, BUNCO & Game Nights

All events are held at WVC's Warrior Grill, and we look forward to seeing you there! For additional details and ticket information, contact Carla Cadwalader at cadwaladerc@iecc.edu.

Don't miss these exciting events brought to you by WVC Originators—join us for fun, food, and entertainment!

Game Causes Change In PT Conferences

Tomorrow night’s Aces football game in Lawrenceville has caused parent-teacher conferences to be moved from tomorrow evening to next Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer explained the change at Monday night’s school board meeting…

Bleyer said this year’s change may lead to future changes in the way parent teacher conferences are scheduled…

District #348 schools will not be in session on Monday, November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th. The state mandates school be closed on Election Day.

Seaton Appointed New WEMA Director

Mark Seaton is the new director of the Wabash County Emergency Management Agency. At their meeting on Monday, Wabash County Commissioners selected Seaton from 4 applicants according to board chairman Scott West…

Seaton takes over for Mark Majors who resigned as WEMA director earlier this month  after leading the agency since March of 2023 when he took over following the death of Gerald Brooks.